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Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What is Territorial Army? Centre empowers Army chief to mobilise reserve force amid India-Pakistan tensions
As tensions flare up between India and Pakistan, the central government has given the green light to the Chief of the Army Staff to call on the Territorial Army (TA) — a reserve force that supports the regular Indian Army during emergencies. Amid rising security concerns, the government has decided to strengthen military presence across the country by deploying 14 of the 32 existing Territorial Army battalions in key military zones, according to a Ministry of Defence notification issued on May 6. Follow India Pakistan live updates These include the Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, and South Western Commands, as well as the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC). The Territorial Army is a volunteer force that acts as a second line of defence after the regular Indian Army. Unlike full-time soldiers, TA members are civilians who take time out of their regular jobs to train and serve the country in times of need. This force is meant for people already employed in civil professions — doctors, engineers, business owners, and more — who are ready to put on the uniform when called upon. They undergo military training periodically and are ready to support national defence during wars, natural disasters, or other emergencies. The Territorial Army operates part-time, and volunteers are required to undergo two months of training each year. Also read: India envoy's reply to Pakistan's claim of downing Indian jets: 'If it satisfies…' Depending on the situation, officers may also be called for extended military service as need be. When called up for training or active duty, they receive the same pay, allowances, and privileges as regular Army officers. Promotions up to lieutenant colonel are given based on service duration and set criteria, while promotions to colonel and brigadier are based on selection. Also read: 'Didn't intercept Indian drones because...': Pakistan defence minister's bizarre explanation As per the official website, the Territorial Army currently has around 50,000 personnel across 65 units, including both departmental units (like those from Railways, ONGC, and Indian Oil) and Non-Departmental units (Infantry Battalions, Ecological Task Forces, and Engineering units). While the force took a formal shape in 1920, when the Indian Territorial Force was set up, it has a long history, starting in 1857 during India's First War of Independence. After India became independent, the Territorial Army Act was passed in 1948. The force was officially launched a year later, in 1949, by C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor-general. Since its formation, the TA has been involved in key military operations, including the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, and anti-insurgency duties in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Northeast. TA units have also played a crucial role in helping during natural disasters such as earthquakes and cyclones. October 9 is observed every year as Territorial Army Day.
NDTV
09-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
India Mobilises The "Terriers": What Is Territorial Army
New Delhi: The Indian Army chief has been given the go-ahead by the government to activate the Territorial Army (TA) to provide for essential guard or in a support role to the regular army. The government's decision comes amid the conflict with Pakistan. Here's a 10-point explainer on the Territorial Army (TA) There are 32 Infantry Battalions of the Territorial Army. Of this, 14 Infantry Battalions (TA) or approximately 14,000 soldiers can be deployed in areas under the Southern Command, Eastern Command, Western Command, Central Command, Northern Command, South Western Command, Andaman and Nicobar Command, and Army Training Command, the government said. The Territorial Army was inaugurated by India's first Governor General C Rajagopalachari on October 9, 1949. This day is celebrated as 'TA Day' every year in honour of the 'Citizens Army', and the first TA week was celebrated from November 8 to 15, 1952. The TA began with various types of units such as Infantry Battalion (TA), Air Defence (TA), Medical Regiment (TA), Engineers Field Park Company (TA), Signal Regiment (TA), etc. However, these units were disbanded or converted into the regular army by 1972, except for Infantry Battalion (TA). TA units have been part of operations in 1962, 1965, and 1971. The 'Terriers' also went to Sri Lanka during Operation Pawan, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir during Operation Rakshak, and the north-east region during Operation Rhino and Operation Bajrang. In its present role, the TA is essentially a part of the regular army. The TA can provide units for the regular army as and when needed if the country is threatened. The TA can also relieve the regular army from static duties and help the civil administration in dealing with natural disasters and maintaining essential services during national emergency situations such as outbreak of hostilities with an enemy nation. The TA has 10 ecological battalions sponsored by state governments. These Ecological Task Force Battalions (TA) use the technical expertise of the respective state forest department for afforestation-linked activities, and soil conservation. By virtue of their task and role, the Ecological Territorial Army units are contributing immensely by ecological activities towards disaster mitigation and also be part of nation-building efforts of the Indian Army. There are also departmental TA regiments for oil and natural gas installations and the railways. The Assam agitation of 1980 led to a massive loss in oil production, estimated at over Rs 5,000 crore. Combat Engineer Regiments were deployed to take over oil and gas installations for maintaining production. So, the raising of the oil sector TA units was the result of the lessons learnt during this period. Civilians can apply to become TA officers. In this way, the TA says people can serve the nation in two capacities - as a civilian, and as a soldier. The eligibility conditions include Indian citizenship, age range between 18 and 42 years, graduation from a recognised university, physically and mentally fit, and gainfully employed. Serving members of the regular armed forces and not eligible to apply as officers in the TA.
The Print
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Lt Gen Pratik Sharma takes over as Northern Army Commander amid heightened tensions with Pakistan
The DCOAS (strategy) oversees critical directorates within the Indian Army, including operations and intelligence. Lt Gen Sharma, who was earlier the deputy chief of the Indian Army (strategy), takes over following the superannuation of Lt Gen M.V. Suchindra Kumar on 30 April. New Delhi: Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma Thursday took over as the general officer commanding-in-chief (GOC-in-C) of the critical Northern Command amid heightened tensions with Pakistan on one side and continued stand-off with China on the other. Commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the Madras Regiment, the new Northern Army commander has served as the director general of military operations (DGMO), the crucial wing of the Indian Army that oversees the operational requirements and strategies. Lt Gen Sharma has also served as the commander of the Ambala-based 2 Corps, also known as the Kharga Corps, which is one of the two Strike Corps meant for the Western borders. He has also commanded a Division in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Incidentally, Lt Gen Sharma had been stationed in Kashmir since the Pahalgam attack and was part of all security briefings and planning. The Northern Command looks after both the borders with Pakistan and China, besides having a counter-infiltration and counter-terrorism role. In over three decades, Lt Gen Sharma has served in multiple operational environments, including Operation Pawan, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF)'s operation in Jaffa, Sri Lanka in the late 1980s; Operation Meghdoot, the 1984 Indian Army operation to take back the Siachen Glacier, which continues; Operation Rakshak, a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir that began in the 1990s; and Operation Parakram, the 2001-02 standoff between India and Pakistan. He has also served in the military secretary branch and was the director general, (information warfare), a recently institutionalised information directorate at the Army headquarters in New Delhi. Other key appointments Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who was earlier the air officer commanding-in-chief of Central Air Command in Allahabad, has taken over as the new chief of integrated defence staff (CISC) following the superannuation of Lt Gen J.P. Mathew. A seasoned test pilot and qualified flying instructor with over 3,300 flying hours, Air Marshal Dixit brings in extensive operational and planning experience and has commanded a Mirage squadron. He will be replaced by Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, currently AOC-in-C of the Southern Air Command. Meanwhile, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari has taken over as the new vice-chief of the Air Staff following the superannuation of Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar. Tiwari was earlier commanding the South Western Air Command in Gandhinagar, and he will be replaced by the current Training Command Chief, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor. (Edited by Sanya Mathur) Also Read: Ultra & Alpine Quest—technologies that keep Pakistani terrorists, especially LeT, going in J&K
The Print
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Farewell Gen Kalkat, decorated Army officer who marched through Chhamb, led IPKF in Sri Lanka
Commissioned into the 8 Gorkha Rifles, Gen Kalkat's illustrious career encompassed significant events in the annals of Indian military history. During the 1971 India-Pakistan War, he commanded the 5/8 Gorkha Rifles, earning considerable admiration for his strategic insight and leadership capabilities in the fierce Battle of Chumb. Gen Kalkat (Retd) died earlier in the day. His last rites were attended by his immediate family members, senior officers and comrade-in-arms, a significant number of whom went through the trials and triumphs of service alongside him. New Delhi: Lieutenant General Amarjit Singh Kalkat (Retd), a highly decorated officer of the Indian Army, was cremated on Tuesday with full military honours at the Brar Square in Delhi Cantonment. Gen Kalkat is best remembered for being the Overall Commander of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka from February 1988 to March 1990 during Operation Pawan. In an acknowledgement of his exemplary leadership during this pivotal operation, he was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM), India's foremost distinction for service in wartime. He was the first-ever recipient of the award, with only two others having been recognised since, both during the Kargil Conflict. 'He led the IPKF through its most complex period, the de-induction from Sri Lanka,' Lt Gen Hardev Singh Lidder (Retd), former Commanding Officer of the 9 Para Special Forces told ThePrint. 'During Operation Pawan, I held the position of battalion commander under his leadership and he affectionately regarded us as the finest battalion. He exemplified the essence of a true politico-military strategist,' he added. Col Vipul Talwar (Retd), who was in the same unit as Gen Kalkat and knew him from the early days of his career, fondly recollected his humility and mentorship. 'When I completed Staff College, I was posted with the battalion in Dehradun while Gen Kalkat was commanding a neighbouring formation,' recalled Col Vipul Talwar. 'I was preparing a presentation on the Battle of Chhamb – a battle he had led as the commanding officer, during which the battalion earned a Vir Chakra. Gen Kalkat came all the way to meet me and personally discuss it. That's the kind of leader he was—great, humble and genuinely invested in the growth of his juniors.' In July 1991, Kalkat assumed the role of the first General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the newly established Army Training Command (ARTRAC), where he played an instrumental part in shaping future military doctrine. Following this, he served as the Commander of the Southern Command. Upon his retirement, Gen Kalkat remained actively involved in defence policy and public discourse, exemplifying the essence of a soldier's general until the end of his days. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: 'If you want to go to war, then select Amarjeet Singh Kalkat as Chief of Army Staff'
The Print
22-04-2025
- The Print
‘If you want to go to war, then select Amarjeet Singh Kalkat as Chief of Army Staff'
The incident in question was sometime in late August 1988: 'And the moment GOC IPKF [Indian Peace Keeping Force] walked out of his helicopter and reached the Brigade HQ Operations Room, LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] militants opened up with automatic weapons and Rocket Propelled Grenades on the Brigade HQ and the helicopter… And the GOC IPKF, like a fine soldier and displaying true Generalship, stood erect and lit up his pipe, puffing on it in a very deliberate manner. His calmness was distinctive.' An unofficial and unpublished diary recounts Lt Gen AS Kalkat's exemplary mannerisms in a way none but an eyewitness to the most extraordinary situation could. 'If you want to go to war, then select Kalkat as Chief of Army Staff,' I overheard my father, Jaswant Singh, telling a senior cabinet minister. This was just a few years after the Jaffna Peninsula incident in Sri Lanka mentioned above. By that time, the soldierly qualities of Lt Gen Amarjeet Singh Kalkat had taken him barely a step away from heading the entire service. He was then General Officer Commanding-in-Chief at the Army's Southern Command in Pune, and procedurally eligible for Chiefship. I deeply regret never being able to say these words to him. A cerebral soldier The Army has lost a veteran with the unusual qualities of cerebral soldiering, impeccable manners, a personal style that is gradually becoming endangered, and above all, a sense of humour. Despite the hard times he witnessed, beginning with combat during the 1965 India-Pakistan war to Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, Gen Kalkat's eyes never lost their merriment. During the 1965 operations, he was hospitalised due to serious injuries. His thick-rimmed glasses and the pipe he smoked became a trademark. Even in discussions about operations and casualties, his eyes sparkled with liveliness. Commissioned in the 5th Battalion of 'Shiny Eight', as 8 Gorkha Rifles is respectfully called within their closed fraternity, Gen Kalkat made a mark in all aspects of soldiering. He led his troops bravely in combat, surviving grievous wounds, and demonstrated an intellectual acumen on par with the academic elite, if not better. As is the wont in a military career, he excelled in courses, which earned him coveted postings in top training establishments like the 58 Regimental Centre, Army War College, Mhow, Staff College in Australia, and as an instructor at DSSC Wellington. It only got better. Gen Kalkat was the first Brigadier seconded to the emerging Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), a brainchild of the doyen of Indian strategic thinking, K Subrahmanyam. On promotion as Maj Gen, he was even selected for the prestigious fellowship at the London–based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). In London, he was handpicked to proceed as GOC IPKF, ostensibly to pick charred chestnuts out of a raging fire. He steadied an unwinnable operation into a semblance of order and control, earning deep respect. It's largely forgotten that he led India's first, and till now only, tri-service operation. Also read: IPKF heroes were ignored for 30 years. They are finally getting their due under Modi govt Lessons learned The political-military knowledge Gen Kalkat gained at IDSA and IISS is best exemplified by his succinct observations in an interview at the peak of IPKF operations. Asked about the lack of IPKF success, he replied sharply: 'In this kind of politico-military task, achievements, can't be measured in terms of areas conquered or number of enemies killed.' His words are as relevant as ever for any insurgency–riven area. It stood him in good stead months later when the rabidly anti-Indian President-elect Ranasinghe Premadasa asked for the eviction of the IPKF. The responsibility fell on the Sri Lankan Army Chief to deliver a letter to Gen Kalkat. Lt Gen Hamilton Wanasinghe, the Sri Lankan Army Chief, was friends with Gen Kalkat and shared his predicament of having to order operations if required. 'I answered that if I were him I would obey the orders of my President. He then asked in that case what I would do. I replied that I would fight to keep my mandate. He thereafter left without delivering the letter from the President,' Gen Kalkat wrote. Gen Kalkat asked him to do his job. 'I'll fight to keep my mandate,' he said. Years later, while reminiscing about his career profile to a Sri Lankan newspaper, he wrote: 'I learnt two important lessons in 1971. One, you have to prove to the men that you are prepared to face the same danger. You have to be on the frontline. Two, your sense of self-respect should be more than your fear.' Rest in peace, my General. Manvendra Singh is a BJP leader, Editor-in-Chief of Defence & Security Alert and Chairman, Soldier Welfare Advisory Committee, Rajasthan. He is writing a book on the IPKF. He tweets @ManvendraJasol. Views are personal. (Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
